Have you noticed the popularity of mushrooms lately? And we mean more than the white button ones you ordered on your pizza last weekend.
They’ve been around for centuries, these mushrooms. Many cultures have used them medicinally for thousands of years and still include them in their daily diets today.
Whether fresh, dried, or in powder supplement form – these forest inhabitants pack a pretty healthful punch for our health and now mushrooms are gaining a following more than ever in western society – particularly in fall and winter months.
What’s the “magic” of mushrooms during this time of year?
Simply put, they are powerhouses for our immune systems!
Mushrooms carry polysaccharides (long plant chemical structures that support the body) that boost blood flow. This makes them a powerful anti-inflammatory that works to support the immune system. Mushrooms may even have an anti-tumor affect and may support cancer treatments.
Which mushrooms are the most healthful?
You may be most familiar with the white pre-packaged ones in your local grocery store. They are typically found in the produce cooler section and are easy to add to omelets, pastas, and yes, pizza!
However, these mass-scale button mushrooms typically don’t hold a very significant nutrient value. It’s the ones you forget about in the bottom bins or the ones you didn’t even know existed that can hold the magic for your immune system.
The most prominent immune boosting mushrooms are:
– shitake
– reishi
– cortiseps
– lions mane
and if taken regularly over time, mushrooms are known to support the body’s energy and protect it against colds and flus during peak season.
If digested everyday throughout the fall and winter (whether eaten or taken in supplement form), mushrooms can be a natural way to boost the immune system during these infamous times of year for sickness.
But it’s not just the common cold that mushrooms can help fight against. More serious diseases may benefit from the power of mushrooms such as:
– cancer
– brain disease
– diabetes
– digestive issues
– anxiety
– depression
which make these fungi worth the try!
How can you include them in your daily diet?
Fortunately, in many ways!
We find that mushrooms are either loved or disliked by many of our clients. Sometimes chewy, sometimes mild and bland, and yes, sometimes even slimy, some people have a hard time appreciating mushrooms.
But if you’re one of them, that doesn’t mean you can’t reap the benefits! To include mushrooms in your daily diet, consider:
- Starting with shiitake mushrooms. Typically located in loose-bins in the mushroom section, shiitakes can be put in stews, pasta sauces, and soups for a meaty-type texture.
- Trying dried mushrooms. Dried mushrooms last longer than fresh, which make them an excellent addition to soups and sauces in the cooler months. Place them in water to hydrate them before using.
- Taking supplements. If eating them doesn’t sound appetizing, there are a variety of mushroom supplements available.
The “Host Defense” line of mushrooms by Paul Stamets (known as a mushroom guru), offer numerous supplements targeting different health issues and are readily available online and in health food stores.
Are you ready to boost your immune system through mushrooms?
We know you may not be familiar with using mushrooms, so if you live in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, or the Greater Denver Metro area and are feeling unsure about what kind to use and how to use them, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves.
Enjoy these little ground dwellers – because a whole new world of immune support awaits!
REFERENCES:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom#section9 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150416112826.htm
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